Maryland regulators ban utility shutoffs for now

MARYLAND - Maryland regulators temporarily barred utilities from shutting off gas or electricity service to more than 120,000 delinquent customers until a plan can be devised to help customers pay their bills.

The Maryland Public Service Commission took the action to avert "a potentially disastrous scenario in which an unacceptably large number of households face termination of their gas and/or electric service in the near future," according to the commission's order.

The commission has said that nearly 84,000 Baltimore Gas & Electric customers and nearly 43,000 Pepco customers face potential service terminations starting April 1, when restrictions meant to protect customers during cold weather months are no longer in effect.

The order creates a work group that will recommend ways for customers to pay their delinquent bills "in a fair and realistic manner and in a fair and realistic time."

The work group will present its findings at a hearing April 7, after which the commission will decide whether to continue the delay in service terminations. The commission noted in its order that any further delay could harm the utilities' financial health.

The commission received a rash of complaints from customers this winter about skyrocketing utility bills. BGE and Pepco blamed a variety of factors for the increases, including colder-than-normal temperatures and rising energy costs.

The order noted that the commission has not yet reached "definitive conclusions" about the spike in utility bills.

Robert L. Gould, a spokesman for BGE's parent, Constellation Energy Group Inc., said the utility was reviewing the order and declined further comment.

Related News

lineman rescues car

Ameren, Safe Electricity urge safety near downed lines

CAROLINA - Ameren Illinois and Safe Electricity are urging the public to stay in their cars and call 911 in the event of an accident involving a power pole that brings down power lines on or around the car.

In a media simulation Tuesday at the Ameren facility on West Lafayette Avenue, Ameren Illinois employees demonstrated the proper way to react if a power line has fallen on or around a vehicle. Although the situation might seem rare, Illinois motorists alone hit 3,000 power poles each year, said Krista Lisser, communications director for Safe Energy.

“We want to get the word out…

READ MORE
no nuclear for quebec

'For now, we're not touching it': Quebec closes door on nuclear power

READ MORE

Seamus Oregan

Affordable, safe' nuclear power is key to reaching Canada's climate goals: federal minister

READ MORE

With a Focus on Local Response, PG&E Prepares for Winter Storm Season

READ MORE

america-households-struggle-with-sky-high-energy-bills

American Households Struggle with Sky-High Energy Bills During Extreme Summer Heat

READ MORE